Not Dead Yet - Forum

I find it rather strange, that no comment has been made, regarding, Liverpools New Museum Opening on Aug: 23rd. Commemorating The Bicentenary of The Abolition of The British Slave Trade ?? The Cost -- ?10 million ?? Phew??

Guess Nobody in Interested in This subject to debate ??
Why?? Because Nobody has read it !!

Well i'm all for any museum ...and liverpool does owe a lot of its existance to the slave trade even tho it was dirty money.
I'm sure it will get quite a few visitors. Its a major part of Liverpools history and i also beleive our grandchildren should learn about the way people trafficking was carried out. I used to visit a lot of museams when i could get around...A couple of years ago we went on a coach tour that called at liverpool and I went to the Beatles Museum on Albert Docks, Fantastic place for a life long beatles Fan like myself to visit. 

I really do believe, that Museums should be Educational!! But!! In relevance to the slave trade, I personally would have liked to see ?10 million Spent in a much better way! To Benifit Our People!!

I was recently brousing Best of British Magazine and noticed that this year is Liverpools 800th Birthday Celebrations...Lots of cultural events organised to bring tourists in to the City...We have to remember that tourism is one of the most lucrative industries of this period in history...?1000's will be made by these events which will benefit the people of liverpool.

This money that will build this musium comes from a seperate pot, If it hadn't been put up to be used to build this musium it would have gone on some other form of Art. If it brings in school trips and other tourists that will use hotels, shops and other recreation facilities then it will in the long run benefit liverpool has a whole

Delighted that you feel, Liverpool will have an advantage --(one Town)-- My preference wopuld be for all of our country to receive benifits for all of it's people: I suppose I would go for -- All or nothing??

The town halls have to put in for these grants Phoenix
if they dont they dont get !
Stockport put in for one for the underground  air raid shelters and got it.Well worth a visit.
If a town has something to offer then they can apply too.

Hi Ph?nix,
just for your information this issue is dealt with in German schools - so even if there's little interest in the UK for this topic, it's a current "European" topic.

Hello Teri, Thank You for the Enlightenment! There are really so many things wrong in this country and so much Money 'wasted' that I just prefer that hard cash, goes to benifit problems that assist in People's health AND QUALITY OF LIFE:

On the one side you are right there still has to be much done to improve people's health and their quality of life, but on the other side we must learn from our past and you know in our today's world we have also "slave trade" - in another form than shown in the Liverpool Museum.
In Germany we often have special exhibitions in our Museums on a particular issue (of the past) and in my opinion it's quite interesting and those exhibitions are always very crowded, so there's a demand for such issues.

Teri, Everybody has their own beliefs and priorities.
So many terrible things have happened in the past, never to be Forgotten!! -- If Only, people would Learn from past mistakes, then and only then, can we all look towards a better Future!! -- But Is it really possible for ALL The people, to 'Forgive' and yes?? Forget - and Go Forward Together, giving mutual support ????????

Phoenix,
I suppose you know I'm German - so as you may say - on the other side of this sad issue. However, when I was still at school I met an English family and as a symbol of friendship and forgiveness they invited me to spend my holidays with them in England. It was a great time for me and I would even say it marked my whole life. I believe bad things cannot be forgotten, but we can try to forgive each other. The slaves caught in Africa and transported to America under miserable conditions and sold there, they certainly have forgiven the white man their cruel fate in the meantime, but it wouldn't be good to forget it. As far as I can judge it's still part of the American problems.
As to WW II it was a war that made no sense (my family for instance had lived in Hungary for 200 years and from one day to the other we had to leave with only our clothes on the body, but it would make no sense to be angry with the Hungarians - many people had to leave the place where they lived for the one reason or other).
Thus we all must look forward and I hope that "at least" our grandchildren will be "Europeans" and no longer, Germans, English, French etc.

Hello Teri, I did actually surmise that. I loved germany and travelled Europe quite extensively in the 1960s.
Germany was the Best, because I also worked for a german machine tool company. My last Holiday was in 1987 and spent a week in The Harz Mountains, as well as a week, close by The VW works etc:   Visited The Camps as well.
All Nations have shown cruelty in the Past and there is no excuse. Indoctrination and Discipline, are solely responcible!! -- Maybe! just maybe, ALL people will be treated as Equal?? -- The E.E.C. began in 1972 and still there is NO --  Equality!! What makes one believe, that it can possibly Work ?? -------- Not Me!!

naturally there will never be equality - the economic conditions are too different, (but look at your country of my country, not all regions are equal - some are more powerful from the economic point of view), but what's more important - in my opinion - is that people understand and appreciate each other and accept the differences.  German pupils learn a lot of foreign language and take part in a lot of exchanges (with the UK it's a bit difficult, I don't know why). Last month Chinese pupils visited a school in our town and our pupils will visit them next year. Someone said some time that if you remove the skin from human beings they are all the same and their differences are formed by the skin and the different culture they grow up - so why shouldn't it be possible to develop an European culture?

Hi Terri, its an old saying here, if all the money was shared out equally on Saturday, there would still be rich people and poor people on Monday.

Hi Teri, How very true!! Equality can Never be Equal. It was 'suggested' in 1972 and Look what has happened since ----Nothing!! =  No Progress??
In this, our country. There is Scotland, Wales and Ireland. England is rarely mentioned -- A split would mean, they want to be 'Independant' - But?? Still want Finacial Backing from England?? Just how that can actually work, is anybody's Guess!! -- I believe I am right in saying that the english language was tought in your schools. I met quite a few people that spoke english, in the 1960s. -- Yes! I agree. Under the skin, we are all the same, but we all have different 'Culture's and religions, so just how we can ALL come to terms with each other, I have absolutely no Idea!!

You're right nearly everybody speaks English in our country. Since some years English is already taught in the elementary school.
Did I tell you that I started to travel through Europe 10 years ago. I just was curious to see whether there are such differences between the individual countries and today I must say you - no, but what's very positive is that we all can learn from each other and as far as I can judge, we did it - at least we Germans.
As to religion - sometimes I have the impression in our today's world money has taken over the part of religion - but maybe I'm wrong.

Hi Teri
I too have travelled Europe,but I must have seen a different  side than you.I thought Poland was extremely poor and Turkey has such a "class" system there are many poor there too.Bulgaria was even worse,but the worse for sure was Rumania and Albania these of course are all E bloc countries and are of ex Russian rule apart from Turkey.
The countries in  Europe not governed by the Russians do ok.
There must be a message there. ::)

Hello Teri, What a 'wonderful' experiance you must have had, to Travel through Europe, to try to any similarities, between them all -- A fastenating time you had, that was missed by many. Yes! with 'Positive mental Attitude', we could all learn from each other and be brought closer together, IF?? that is at all possible!!

    "MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL"

Ph?nix,
you see I replied to this also yesterday - but no reply in the forum.
I just said that I travelled through the counries of Western Europe and the difference between these countries is at present insignificant. However, Eastern Europe you cannot compare. In June I was in Russia and there are still a lot of "poor people, of course. But it takes some time to learn to be responsible for oneself and to take ones own decision. 50 years long or more people in these countries were told what they had to do.
Take for instance Eastern Germany - if there was something available they left their working place and made queues to get this product. In our today's working process this is not possible and they had much problems to accept that you have to work the whole day without interruption and you had - in some cases - to take your own decisions.

Hello Teri,  Maybe it just comes down to "Being Responcible for one's own Self and Making one's own Decisions" -- What other way is there?? But! ---
 Stand on your feet and be counted!!  Your on your own!!
 It's hard, depending on whether One is a ' Survivor'!!
 While it is good to help othere's, it is not always possible, no matter how hard it is to say NO!!
It is also, a well known fact that the majority of people, want and need to be 'Told' just what to do, because they are possibly not able to make their own decisions.
This, no doubt happened in evry country during the last war and continues yet today!! The World is Not a Happy Place, I am sorry to say:

dont let it get you down Phoenix
try and look on the bright side of life
when you are 80 you will get ?300 to keep warm !!!! ::)

Don't let me deceive you!! I normally do look at the Bright Side. But with all the governmental issues??? It becomes Hard, when one feels for The People!!
 Should I reach the age of 80?? We shall without a doubt, need more than ?300 for Heating!! Quite apart from everthing else that will still be Going UP in Costs ????
Take the last 5 years, regarding increases?? Think of a Number, Times 5/6 or 7 and I believe that is around what The Increase will be!!  What Do You All Think?????

Cheer uo Pheonix, its not all doom and gloom, still get?10 at xmas that the torys gave us, and dont forget the 25p extra when u r 80. You wii need to think carefully how u r going to spend it.I think ppl of our generation are finding it difficult to accept the intergration of other nationalities into our society.
As Terri says this is happening all over europe.
Who would have thought in 1939-45 that I would be chatting to a German lady, but Terri and I had a good discuission on chat last night, at least it is one of the good things to come out of the war and long may it continue.

Hey William
does this mean I`ve got competition ? :o
lol

I think senior citizen everywhere in Europe have their problems. The only people that have no financial problems in Germany are former owners of firms and civil servants, but our young generation is of the opinion that we "oldies" all get too much money and they have to work hard to maintain our standard of life - you see we have a so-called conflict of generations. I don't know the situation in the UK, but I hope that it's much better in this respect.
And as to my participating in your Forum and chatting with you, I'm very happy that you are accepting me. When I was the first time in the UK in the 60s I was invited by an English family as a sign of reconciliation and friendship. However, when I was on the D-Day celebrations in the Normandy some years ago, I had my doubts whether we Germans will ever be accepted by "our former ennemies". So you see, if it's possible for me to show you that we Germans are thinking and feeling like you, that's - at least for me - already a great reassurement (Beruhigung).

Hello Teri, Every Country does seem to have similar problems?? ( the exception, being those on High salaries)--
 We can hardly expect the younger generations, to understand, us oldies. Perhaps they feel that because we have all worked a Full life, that we are well off??
Yet, It is so far from the truth.-- As to accepting you on this Forum, It really is 'Great' that You have Joined us all. The war has been over 60 years now,We should be able to live in Peace and communicate as normal Humans. Forget The Past, in as much as you can. Live for your tomorrow and may it be a Happy One!! I am not sure if you have a Family, or just where in Germany, you live. I still tranfer The Towns I visited, from one Map to Map(updating each year)-- My Christmas Present To You is a Free 'Grab A Grand' lottery go. http://www.v-w-d.com/169868DD Click on My Website. Invite your Friends too!! Be Happy!!

Hi Teri
well here in the UK they want the older drivers off the road ..............and who has the most crashes................not us !!!!!

          An Answer To All Problems!!
Get rid of all us 'Golden Oldies'??
Make it 'Easy' for this Government??
More than 70.000 Empty Houses??
Less 'strain' on The N.H.S.  ???
More 'room' in this Country??
No more 'moaning pensioners??

Don't pass this on!! Someone might get Idea's ????????

I am the kind of person they dont lile, having been retired 19yrs, i will have drawn out more than i paid in and thet wont like that.It appears from what Terri says that they have the same kind of problems we do.
I think its great to have Terri on the forum to give her views on life, we can soon get into the habit of thinking we are the only country with problems.

That's quite calming to hear that "oldies" also have problems in the UK. However, as to Germany I think it's above all the media that aggravates this conflict. Let the young generation work 40 or 45 years - then they certainly will speak differently.

William, Never thought for one moment, that only our Country, was the only one with problems. Seems All Over??

Teri, It is hard to remain 'calm' here. As I have a 'Wacky' sense of Humour!! I do certainly have a Laugh, about some of the situations that happen. There is so little Common Sense shown by people and most of it sure comes from the young generation, that indeed, knows so little about Life!! ---- It is really 'Wonderfull' to have You on our Forum. I Trust that You enjoy our Company!!
 The Young will learn when they receive No Pensions??

Phoenix, if I didn't enjoy your company, I wouldn't post any comments.
You say the young generation will receive no pension - is this a joke - they will probably receive less than you do, but they still have many years before them and be honest, if they would save a little bit of money now, they would have it when they are old - in Germany we say - save in time then you have when something when you require it. I don't know the situation in the UK, but in Germany many young people travel to countries I can only dream of or buy things I never would spend money for. When I was young, I was told not to spend too much money at all.

the prediction is, that when these yougsters retire, there wont be any Gov. money to pay them a pension.
Everyone is encouraged to take out personal pensions, but that is fraught with danger as a few yrs ago there was a monetary collapse and a lot of people lost a lot of monney

Teri, Don't mis-understand!! I really feel for those young people here. -- Those working, are hard put to for Buying a Home, with a high risk of losing it later on in life.-- The other type of young people, do not want to work and receive 'Dole Money' for their keep. (social security)-- we have a high crime rate and drug rate!!
There is Good and Bad. Some really do try!! othere's wil;l NOT!!---- The way that you describe, is how life used to be in the 50/60s. but Not now!!-- We Believed that,"SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY" = WE DID!! -- But for those of Today?? Extremelly Hard.

That's true Phoenix. However, in Germany we sometimes ask wo are their parents - why didn't they teach them that you cannot spend all the money you earn. When our economy didn't boom any longer, everybody was frustrated, but there are also ups and downs in this sector.
Many German families have debts, but debts have to be paid back and that's what some people just forget.

Hi Teri,  You are so right. In this Country,so very many people are in deep debt, that there is no way out. Thousands of Homes are being Re-claimed, and not always through their own fault. I cannot understand just why?? some people get so heaverly into Debt, as the interest they have to pay back, must be something terrible.
 It appears to be the same, all over!! -- It can only get Worse??

The other side of the coin is : if you didnt pay into a pension you are no worse off than if you did ! sometimes you are better off, I think it is this that causes the ill feelings in this country, so I think the young think "well why should we" especially since many have been ripped off by the pension holders (the fat cats) and even the governments.

Hi Mac, There is a great tendency to agree with you!!
Can't say I really blame this young generation for the way they think and feel?? -- I am so Glad that I was Not brought up this way!! -- Yes. There really have been Many "Rip Offs" -- But then ' they' do call our country ----"RIP OFF BRITAIN" ?????????????????????????????

What you say is logical, but we are a solidary community (as we call it in Germany), so everybody has to care for everybody - if nobody pays into the old age pension system then there is no money available and the welfare aid is covered by taxes, at least in Germany, i.e. taxes have to be increased to pay welfare aid to everybody.
I can't see any advantage in this.

Hi Teri,  There are a lot of personal Carer's in this country, who look after their Old Parents and friends, with absolutely No Help from the state. Some Medicines, are Expencive and yet are FREE in Scotland??
 We are also quite heaverly,- Taxed!!

Can't you apply for a so-called "Carer's aid". In Germany, if you look after your parents who have a disease you can apply for a carer's aid - it's not much, but more than nothing. Moreover, there are a lot of self-help groups.

We have carers aids too.in THEORY. Not only is it difficult to get help but you have to have a means test, which still carries a stigma.All the oeople i know who have carers have to pay something towards it.

Hi William, As you have stated 'Theory' Seldom Works. ---
 This is 'supposed' to be a Caring Society, in Theory??
 But for so many, in their own Home, it does not Work!!

 

We do have very good sheltered housing for some of the people.

To save costs Germans try to stay at home as long as possible. However, if you don't have any family or good friends living nearby the day may be very long. A carer comes in the morning, then you get your meal by an organisation and a carer comes again in the evening and the rest of the day you lie in bed or sit in a wheel chair. My aunt prefered to move into a home for senior citizens - there they offered some activities for old people and there were people you could talk to - however, such a home has its price.

Similarities of here too!! - Elderly people, have a lot of Pride and Dignity, not wanting to become a Liability for their children, or The State. -  Should 'they' have to reside in a 'Residential Home' -- Their own property has to be Sold, to help Pay The Expences, --Till The Money Runs Out!!-- A number of those residential homes have been, 'condemed'  for their neglet of their Patients, even giving Drugs, to keep them ---- quiet?? -- Why do the Homes, keep their Patients inactive?? Patients really are People, even though Age has caught them up!! -- They still require a reasonable - "Quality Of Life"  Their ---- Entitlement.

True Mac, I live in one,I am fortunate in as much I can afford to pay bue not an excessive amount. We also have an council estate of bungalows for the elderly, those who can afford to pay do, those that cant dont.

same here Teri
but where the crux comes in is
some have to pay others dont depends on your means of income,again thats not fair,if you have worked hard and been frugal you are penalised,
I say all pensioners should be they same with the same money same benefits.

Totally Impossible!!  As our Country is now so 'split up' How can The Same Standards, -- Apply?? -- I have long believed that ALL Pensioner's should be treated Equally!!
 So just Why, does it Not Happen?? -- Would it not be Benificial??

nothing is impossible phoenix
I beleive it can be done in a much fairer way for all.

Hi Mac, Quite So!! -- If?? How?? When??

my opinion wont matter phoenix
but here goes anyway
one pension set at a living wage
no poll tax or at least little
no tax after retirement
free insulation for all not just some
no means testing for pensioners

If all pensioners would get the same amount of pension and benefits those who have worked all their life and paid into the system would get the same amount of pensions as those that have not at all worked or only a very short time - where is there equality and justice?
I think in this respect our German system isn't so bad - the only disadvantage is that the system has not enough money and that the pensions are gradually reduced, i.e. our children will get much less than we get and they will have to save money for their old age when they are still young.

Hi mac, The idea is there?? But we all know there is No such thing as ---- Equality!! That Saying?? "Some are More Equal Than Othere's" is True!! -- As Pensioner's?? Wonder just How much Taxes, we pay out in each week, from our Pension?? -- As for 'Insulation' Roof etc: - our's is still the old stuff. No we do not Qualify for any discount, neither can we afford to have it done.!!!!!!!!

 Hi Teri, That is good thinking!!  If Only! we did receive an acceptable level of pension?? - Sure, there would still be some that would Complain??  --Why should those that have not Worked, receive the same as those of us, that have worked all our lives ---- For What ????

it appears Terri from what you say, that your country is vitually the same as ours. What do they spend the money on.I wonder , if we didnt have troops in Afghan and Iraq, would we be any better off,I doubt it. Terri, did you find when you adopted the euro, you were better or worse off.

William, I believe you are right!!  Germany and Britain seem quite Similar, in so many ways. That must be good??
 With regard to our Troops being in, Afgan and Iraq??  Not sure if things will get better, but I really do feel for The Loss of our Soldiers. Fighting, for what is not, our war!! -- The Money?? would possibly be spent on something, that does not benifit, our people??  Our soldiers married quarter's, so The Media states, are in a disgusting state of repair!!

Sorry I am supposed to put that in the reply lol ( the above)
Hi Teri
That is why I think all pensioners should get the same if they havent worked or if they have,the ones that worked have usually got a private pension.I dont think it is fair when you have worked and pay tax till you die just because you worked.
I dont think its fair either to give some pensioners rebates and not others,I think it should be all or none !
I think here we are penalised for being frugal with our earnings while others waste it.
If I had my time again I would do things a little differently.

Dont forget that some of the richest people in this country are pensioners, Would you exempt them from income tax. I think there should be a ceiling, if your income is below say 10.000 no tax payable. Maybe you a different fiqure in mind.

I am on about pensions Will not savings,they are automatically taxed.
I think about ?15,000 should be tax free.
There arent that many pensioners that are rich,except the Queen,and a few others mostly we are comfortable through our own making.

Just goes to show?? How hard it is to be Fair To ALL ??

William, you ask me whether the Euro made us poorer or richer - the Euro made Germans poor (like chuch mice). Wages, pensions etc. are now the half amount, but the prices remained the same, i.e. instead of DM we have now EURO and the amount remained the same. Take for instance gasoline - 1 liter was about DM 1,30 and now its Euro 1,30 approx. Today I bought a salad Euro 1,39 = DM 2,78 (unbelievable, nobody would have bought a salad at this price when we had the DM, but today with the Euro we complain, but we buy it).
And as to paying in the system for the old ae pension, it's not so bad as you think - when I was young people who worked for their own account weren't forced to do anything for their old age and most of them did nothing, they just thought the "Wirtschaftswunder" (booming economy) would be for ever, but it wasn't and now there are a lot of persons that worked for their own account applying for income support - to be honest, I don't find this very funny. They spent their whole money and now the tax payer has to care for their living.
You see, there are always different sides that have to be taken into consideration. When the money is just deducted from your wage you don't really notice it and you get accustomed to getting less wage.
Please don't consider me as antisocial ......

I dont consider you antisocial Terri,You views and opinions are in keeping with those of us who this forum.
one thing i have to say in favour of this governmentis that they have resisted converting to euros.

Hi Teri,  "Anti social"  Never!! --- As Senior Citizens, we all have a lifetime of Experiance.  It's just Great, to chat about them,and Learn from othere's. I for one am pleased that you are Here. We learn what life is like, in Germany and with yourself -- Nice to share these feelings.
We do not hear much about Countries, working with euro's. Good to get that from you, Thank you for enlightening us.

Petrol = ?1.04p per litre:  Bread = ?1.23p large brown:
Milk   =    78p  "    "     Examples:

What to suggest to The Younger Generation ?????????

Citizens of all countries having coverted to the Euro complain that the costs of living have increased considerably and as to Spain - I can confirm it. For health reasons my parents always passed the winter in Spain and the first years they were there and the Spains still had their own currency, life was relatively cheap for Germans, but after the Euro had been introduced prices were the same as in Germany.
However, if you travel it's very comfortable to have the Euro - you need only one currency and you can compare prices without having to calculate first.

When we went decimal in 1971,our inflation went through the roof,the prices were rounded up so to speak,and it made an awful mess of our ecconomy I hope when we go Euro it doesnt happen all over again !

I remember butter was 1/6d
and we went euro and it went to 7 and a half pence
can any of you tell me what it is now ?
i know do you ?

Ah!! Eve say's  'Anchor' is ?i.79p for 500gram??
 Everything!! But Everything, is just a Big Con:??
Brown in his Wisdom?? Has Today, sighned away Britain's Sovereignty!!  -- Hows That for one??  1,0000s of othere's as we all know??  Mac, Must have been 1973 when the euro came in?? As in 1972 we?? entered the common market, also The Pensioner's first received their Xmas Bonus, of ?10. Whin we still get?? -- 35 years Later!!

Phoenix, as far as I know you don't have the Euro yet and if you ever will get it, I doubt.
As to Britian loosing its sovereignity, Phoenix, please don't be so "anti-European". Europe is really a chance for all of us.
You know we Germans have always paid more into the EU than we have received, but every thing has its price.

I think we pay a fair bit into the union too Teri
and a lot of the people here dont even want to be there !
To be absolutely honest with you there are no benefits only losses.
What are your benefits please.
I mean no offence by this just curious

Mac, you ask me what is the advantage - it's certainly not a financial one, but how should I call it a "psychological" one. After WW II Germans were hated by nearly all European nations and we had to look for a new "home" and my impression is we have found it in the EU - gradually we are considered again as someone you can talk to and who will stick to his word.
Perhaps you will think I'm a dreamer, but believe me when I was young and travelling to the UK or France it was a hard thing for a German, now it's just normal. At least in the case of Germany the EU contributed to tear down barriers.

Whilst i accept, there are always, For and Against different things, It is hard to see just what benifits there are for The People of Europe, as a Whole??
Yes!! Money goes forwards and backwards, but the Benifits are The Real Issue!! -- Even with the Issue of The berlin Wall, coming down in November 1989?? I have read in a factual book, it was not the best thing to happen. I cannot remember the reason just why not ??

I can understand why the europians want to stay together,but we had the commonwealth and australia and new zealand etc etc etc............and they didnt cost us much !
now all the europians countries do is pay out why whats it all about ?
As I see it its about intergration,ok,so if they are coming here and other countries why are we paying them to come here surely they should be sorting their own country out first.The grants off the Eu are very good.
Its sad but we are becoming a lobsided nation we cant cope much more.

How True Mac,  We did have The Commonwealth?? and what did we?? do with it??  ----- Threw it Away !!!!!
 Integration?? Huh!!!!! Who actually, Wants To Intergrate??
 Don't know Anybody that Does?? -- There is a lot of 'Hype' but amounts to a lot of 'Rubbish'?????
 Imagine our Services in about 5 years time ?????

Phoenix,
you ask why we are not all happy about the fall of the wall, I'll tell you -
first the exchange rate of the Eastern Mark to the DM was one to one, although the Eastern Mark was worth really nothing.
Second we got a bankrupt and rotten country, so still everybody in Germany has to pay a "Solidary" fee to build up eastern Germany. They got the money and what did they do with it? They wasted it, because they never had learnt to deal with money properly.
Third - for pensions there was not a penny available in Eastern Germany, so they get their money from our pension system, i.e. the money that has been deducted for our pensions must now be shared with the people in Eastern Germany (hurraaa!)
Fourth - people in Eastern Germany didn't have such a good working moral and many firms from Western Germany that bought firms there had to close them. (One of my neighbours, too).
Fifth - people in Estern Germany are so different from people in Western Germany. We, in the west, always were told that we had to work and save money, those of eastern Germany say they have now to catch up on what they have missed the last 40 years and if you travel, you will everywhere meet Germans from Eastern Germany (and they have already been everywhere).
Some years ago I talked to a lady of Eastern Germany and she told me that although she is now financially better off than formerly, she is rather dissatisfied. Such a lot has changed in Eastern Germany.
Last year I was with my mother in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, they have highways with 6 lanes, but there are nearly no cars driving on them, whereas in our region we partly have highways with only 2 or 4 lanes and lots of cars and traffic jams.
So, please, don't ask me why some of us aren't as happy as they should be about the fall of the wall!

Terri, it appears there is some resenment aginst e germany by w germans, was this always the case, or were you united as one.
In some quarters in this country it is believed that Germany had recovered quicker than us, but from what you say, that dosnt appear to be the case.

We try to do our best, but sometimes we have problems with each other, that's true. Naturally, it's very good that we are united again, but it takes time to get accustomed to each other after such a long time of separation.
As to the benefits of the EU - I think Europe can only prosper in the future as a nation and not as a lot of different countries having no common aim.

I can see that vision too Teri,but it wont be in my lifetime.
For the new year I wish it well with no pilfering and cheating and genuine concern for its peoples,and not its governments.

Ah!!  "UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL"

TERI, Thank You for that 'explanation' regarding The Wall and The Reunification!! - Very Informative!! That period I find quite interesting, How it affected The People's?? of Both Sides!!-- Can 'They' adjust, to Mutual Benifit, to become as One ?? ---- Our 'wall' was The English Channel, but with The Tunnel, we are well and truely Joined!! The movement is west?? which is detremental to all of our 'services' which can only get worse!!
I really cannot see, ALL Countries being --- Equal??

Phoenix,
look around you - are all families in your neighbourhood equal? In mine, no - there are rich familes, middle-class families and some poor ones. It will always be like that, some have more luck, more success than others and I think this is applicable to the whole world. Perhaps I am wrong, I don't know.

Money, cannot 'Buy Happiness' but could possibly help to atain better health?? The rest, well, perhaps some do have more 'Luck' than othere's -- I just accept the current situation, as standard!!

its fate Teri what will be will be etc...

Phoenix,
you speak like my mother, but believe me there are many peoople who have money and they want more and more money and they just forget to "live" and often they even don't have the time to spend their money and have a bit fun.

Just what is the point, in worrying about material Things?? The More one has, The More one Wants!!
 Look at those people at The Top, Just don't know what to spend it on -- And are 'They' really Happy ???
 Look at their faces??  There's the story, unless they are 'posing' for The camera ?? Then it's ALL SMILES!!

  "Dont Worry, Be HAPPY" -- "SMILE EVERY DAY, AND YOU WILL GET ONE IN RETURN"

Just what is the point, in worrying about material Things??
Nothing, but there are still other things in life that are important - at least in my opinion.

Absolutely, none at all!! -- What do you, consider the most Important, about Life??  Health??  Happiness??  or are their more, in-depth things that we should consider ??
Takes a little thinking for oneself!!

Health as well as happiness are most important in life, what do you do with all your money, if you have to stay in bed all day long forinstance with dementia?
Or if you are just unsatisfied with you life and believe that any other person is better off than you?
Phoenix we both know that friends that you can buy aren't real friends.

We, are no lesser, or more than any other person!!
 Yes! we like to chat and be friendly, enjoying most topics of conversation. No one wants to have dementia, that is perhaps why we need othere's to chat to??
 I would not like to Buy, something I do not need!! more especially, thinking of 'Buying' friends??
 True Friends, are indeed hard to come bye. We all have to be careful??

You find true friends when you fall on hard times, other so called friends disappear.

Hello William,  How Right you are!! had personal experiance of that in the 80s!!  Friends ?????????????

Put it down to experience Pheonix

was it a positive or a negative experience you made, Phoenix?

Hi Teri, Truthfully!!  I would say, Some of Both!!
Taught me a real 'lot' about, Types of people there are around ?? ----  Hence, My lack of Trust!!

Now, I am my own, God, Judge and Jury!!

A certain distrust is o.k., but too much prevents you from making friends and to be honest I think you would miss a lot in life. You can learn such a lot of others - take me, since I'm in this forum I learnt a lot.

come Teri..........spill the beans then love lol

Hi Teri,  All, quite True!! -- At my stage in life, I do not miss anything that I need, and yes, of course we learn from othere's, that is what Life, is about - Every Day!!
 There is so much in this Forum, from so few, but what an 'Uplift' one receives?? -- 'A Feeling of Relief'(from stress)?? -- A Bout of Happiness, from enjoyable 'Chatting with Computer Friends!! -- or -- A Release from a heavy day?? ---- That is 'The Variety of Living' = Great!!

How true!

You say you have learned from being on this forum Terri, so have we learned from you, so keep the postings coming

" We are ALL Members, Playing,on the same Team"

Phoenix, it's true we are all playing on the same team, but you have "Heimvorteil" (advantage of playing at home, i.e. you can express your thoughts and feelings in your own mother language and you mustn't worry about choosing perhaps the wrong word.

Everyone has 'Freedom of Speech'and'Freedom of Expression'
In their own Language and in their own way, without I Trust giving offence!! -- This, of course applies to all!!

That would be funny, if I wrote in German. It would be like when my mother talks to her grandgranddaughter. She talks in German to her - the ggdaughter understands her and answers in English and my mother doesn't understand any word. It's always very funny! But I suppose rather frustrating for my mother!

Im sure it must be very funny listening to them Terri, like watching a comedy show on TV. Why does the g daughter speak in english and not german.

A good question William - my daughter wanted her daughter to speak two mother languages, so she spoke to her in English, whereas her husband spoke German to her. However, as my son-in-law understands English he never insisted on a reply in German - thus my gdaughter answers everybody in English.
Lately our children already start learning English in some kindergardens to prepare them for the "English-speaking" future of Europe. Only in a small part of our region - near France - they learn French, but the parents are not at all happy with this solution.

Not at all sure about the future, of europe??
I believe any laguages taught here, are still french??

Phoenix, someone told me that the English are a bit lazy regarding learning foreign languages and I think that's true. By the way do you know that English and French have much in common and that William the Conqueror was French and that even Henry VIII spole fluently French?

Hi Teri
I dont think its because the brits are lazy with languages,its more there is nobody to speak them with,in the past we havent had many foreigners from europe but we ( the brits) have travelled all over europe so the europians have picked it up,but we dont have the same thing here and there are far too many languages to be any good at a particular one,the majority here now are Hurdu speaking and Polish,and they all want to learn english.
We have French and German and Spanish in our schools,but we have no french and german or spanish migrants,so we cant practice it.
We would need to be speaking at least 5 other languages because of the migrants in this country and all they want to speak is english !!!!!
Well after all the majority of the world speaks english dont they  Australia,New Zealand,South Africa,America etc
Its like if I say to you learn `welch` not a lot of point is there only the welch speak it !!
hope this is informative.

Mac, I didn't want to tread on your feet - we Germans learn English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and lately also Chinese at school, although we don't have any immigrants from these countries - we just learn it to be able to speak with the Brits, French, Italians etc. in their own language when we pass our holidays there. No one from Spain would spend his holidays in rainy cold Germany - they just come to visit our old cities, castles or X-mas markets and then only for a few days.
By the way it was a Brit who told me that Brits are too lazy to learn foreign languages, not a German.
Senior citizens in our town for instance learn the craziest languages (they certainly never will use them) as a kind of brain training.

Its a very complex sumject, languages. We brits usuall go to tourist areas abroad, where most shopkeepers, hoteliers can speak english, menus are also printed in english.I learned a smattering of french, but never having the chance to speak it, it was soon forgotten.I asgree with you Terri, it is good for brain training.

Thank you William for your support.

It is very hard to retain a european language, if there is no one to  converse with.  Wish I had kept my German up to standard in the 60s' -- would have helped with my later holidays, but of course, did not think about that!!

Yes!! Totally agree. It really would be 'Brain Training' and would feel much better for it:

That's true it's difficult to retain a language when you can't speak with anybody. However, there are books, audio books and magazines available in these languages. At school I learnt English, French, Spanish and Italian. Although I only practise today English and French I sometimes read Spanish or Italian books and last year my daughter asked me whether I would learn her Italian, so this is an opportunity of practising this language. You see, one has to be a bit creative.

Very True!!  I did buy Books some years ago, but one does need to actually 'converse' with another person, to be grammatically Correct, or give up, as I did??
Sorry to say:

When my pupils say to me that they take part in an exchange I always say to them, don't think too long about what you want to say, just speak - the other person will certainly understand you.
When you are writing in a foreign language you have to try to respect the rules of the grammar, that's true,. However, in my opinion it's important to think in the language you want to write or speak and for thinking you don't need a partner, do you?
You see, there are many sides one can consider this issue.

Yes!!  there are many sides to this issue. As I have found before, be it by 'gestulations' one can pick-up the gist of things, sometimes?? -- Even though there are Records and Books, I would prefer a personal teacher!!

What about attending lessons in your adult education center? Before starting my private lessons I always attended Spanish lessons in our adult education center. It was really very interesting - although I didn't learn such a lot, but it was a possibility of practising my Spanish.

We have adult learning classes here for various subjects.I think i am a bit too old now, I never mastered english propaly. Education in my day was very basic, your goal in lifr then was to leave school and go out and earn some money.It wasnt until after I left school that I realised how dumb I was, so I attended further education classes at night.

We have a really good night-school system here.
I have learnt much from it.
It is free if people are on benefits
or ?25 for 6 weeks if you arent.
Not sure about pensioners I think it is subsidised.

Quite True!! There are many evening classes that one could attend, providing one commits themselves. Over the years I have given thought to this, but dare not offer committence.
 William, I am going to agree with you on this. Am just too darn Olde?? -- That is my excuse!!

Mac, do you see those men are fishing for compliments - old - my grandfather always said compared to the road (Landstra?e) I'm still pretty young. So what about giving it a trial!

Teri,I think you are right  :D

HUM??  NOW WOULD WE?? -- IT IS A 'GENTLEMAN'S PLACE TO GRANT A 'LADY' A COMPLIMENT!! -- BUT FOR A 'LADY' TO COMPLIMENT A 'GENTLEMAN'?? -- THE ANSWER COULD BE??
  "WHAT DO YER WANT" ????? ::) ::) ::)   CHUCKLE!!

We gents do like our brows soothed by a lady now and then.

Er!! Yes! -- 'wipe the sweat off my brow' it's running in my eye's and i can't see properly to do this job?? Ahem??

Just what is it you two do to ake you sweat !!!! ::)

Mac, that's really a good question - I'm wondering whether they will reply to it!

Had a very busy day to day Mac. What makes me sweat. Answer,the thought of having all that work to do.
Ladies glow, men perspire, horses sweat.

OR??  Could be that 'Guilty' feeling, of not getting all those jobs Done?  ::) ::) ::)

I have come up with this

its the thought of work !!!!!
 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Yes Mac,  Sometimes it is, just the thought of it all and knowing it will not ALL, get done???

But then again?? IF?? we had it all done? would we be 'surplus' to requirements  ::) ::) ::)

You know the saying " the man who invented work should have stayed behind and finished it"

It is alright starting a job, it's the completing and tidying up, that can course problems??
My main jobs for today, Washing both patios for the birds and bird baths cleaned, refilled - completed, even though I did get wet feet. -- Then Ironed six shirts and bits.
So I went from wet and cold, to overwarm!! Completed!!
 Must say that I do feel better for doing it ??

Good Phoenix
then come and do mine now ! :D :D :D
I am still slobbing with  this cold ! :'(

... and if you have any capacity and time left, there's still work waiting to be done in Germany .....

To be sure?? There is nothing like a 'Voluteer'   ::) ::)
Now! If I had the Time and The capacity ?? Hum!!
Then it would be a 'busman's holiday ???
 Think I will take a rain check  ::) ::) ::)

 T'is all about keeping something in Reserve ???? Phew!!

Shame that !
I would have made you a brew and a biccie lol

Mac he has his Eve who spoils him!

Gee! Mac, Did'nt realise a Cuppa and biccies would be included??

Teri, That is just what Eve says!!  I like to feel that a partnership is 50/50 = Help each other!! No Boss?? and No Slave ??  --   No arguments then!!

chocolate too phoenix !!!! ;D

Hi Mac, What's That?? Chocolate Too??  Yummy!!  Am on my way??  Do I stop at The Lakes, or go over The Border  ::) ::) ::)

Follow the yellow brick road Phoenix  ;D ;D

..and where will we arrive then, Mac?

Mac, No Way!!  Have you seen some of the Yellow Lines, painted??   Going across the road, around dead animals, in a 'shaky' line??  Never know just where one might end up??

Arrive ?? Maybe at The End of The rainbow  ::) ::) ::)

If you get to the end of the rainbow before me Pheonix, we are sharing the pot o gold

Oh no hes not Will
it was my sugestion lol



Teri
probably neverland !

Mac, so he must share with you and Will, o.k.?

lol Teri
which one is which I want to know
who is the lion and who is the scarecrow ???
I of course am Dorothy lol lol lol cos I got red shoes !
so you must be the tin man.........if your coming lol

Yer!! Quite likely to be 'never never land'!!

mac, Just finished a Book called "The Tin Man" by Dale Brown. which I enjoyed. -- Thinks!! I will remain a 'Scorpian' being Born in November. -- Withstands The Heat and Cold!! = A Survivor??

Phoenix, you forgot one thing - very dangerous - lol

sting in the tail phoenix !!! ;D

No way would I forget my scorpian sting in the tail??
Together with 'arising from out of The Flames'----- Phoenix
- I am a 'survivor' -- Not alway's being in a 'jovial' frame of mind:

dont worry phoenix we will let you have it if you start to get morbid ;D ;D ;D ;D
or should I keep my eye on you too !!!!!!!!!!

Mac,  Nay!  Not Morbid. I could not be that bad??

 MAC, IT WORKED!! SUPRISED ME TOO!!  THANKS AGAIN!!

So. Phoenix when can we expect to see a photo of you on the forum??

Phoenix
me thinks thats not you !!!!

Will Have A Try??

Photo: of Eve and Me was too Big??

You must make it smaller with VSO Resizer or how they call it on your computer.

Will have to see If I can find a programme similar to downsize. All my Photos: taken with my camera and put into my comp: are either full A4 size or a postcard size:

Phoenix, when I put those photos of our region in the photo gallery they were automatically resized - perhaps you should try it or ask Maurice - he's a computer expert!

Will go into Gallery soon to look. If they re-size as you say, automatically =  Simple! for next time:

Have you registered with Photobucket Pheonix

Hi William,  Have read about Photobucket, in the 'computer active' mag: Have also downloaded but not yet gone into it.Shall have to give it a try and see if I can make it work for me??

Have you been successful, Phoenix?

Not gone into Photobucket yet,  but I will ??

Did anyone watch the programme monday evening about Security companies in Liverpool. A very Interesting programme, that was very hard to believe. Scams about the security on sites and everywhere?

Sorry, didnt see it Pheonix,I find that tv documentarys can be a little bit of bending the truth in order to make an interesting programme.

Hi William, "Get thee between those sheets and Read between the lines"  ::) ::) ::)

Why should I have to read between the lines,why dont they show the truth.

William??   Tell The Truth!! Who Does that ??
 The powers to be are so 'proficient'  we don't want to upset them ---- Do We?? -- We don't want to 'Deny' them their 'Skills'?? -- Do We?? -- There is still more and more 'corruption' coming to light, it's almost impossible to believe!!   Where will it all end!!

ah our mps, honest as the day is long, and they are pretty short at the mo. I see our saviour of Britain,Mr Blair is after being leader of the EU.I hope he does the same for Francs as he has done for us

Will do you think its because they dont have any training ?
because they dont need training to be greedy

The only training they get Mac, is how to bend the truth.

No not just that Will
how to cheat legitimately !

Wonder just what 'enjoyment' 'they' get from continually 'distorting the truth??
Must be learning by being shown?? -- How do 'they' converse with each other, knowing there is no truth in what 'they' say ????????????? Must be very hard???????????

I have been working in the administration for more than 10 years and one of my bosses always said - you can see a law from such a lot of views and he was really very gifted - if you weren't careful he would sell you rotten bananas as first-class goods. You just have to choose the right words.

As with a number of subjects, there can be many way's (points of view)of seeing and understanding, the very same thing, or if one desires, the end product!! -- As for the rotten Banana's, who in their right mind would Buy them??
Even in saying that, many people being gulable -- Would!!

The bananas were only an example, but when telling you some disagreeable news you still had the intention he was flattering you. For me it was extremely interesting to watch and listen to him.

OK!! can learn a lot from just watching/listening ?? keeps one aware of The Wide boys???

Have you never noticed how clever some people are when they want to outwit others. I really enjoy watching it, when I'm not the one that is outwitted.

I know what you mean Teri, we have a sign we give to those people.

Must be the case.

Have you watched the TV programme  'WATCHDOG' ??
The 'cowboy's' on there is amazing, just how they take people for a ride is unbelieveable!! -- There is a 'similar' outlook from the 'Bosses' of Travel Agents, where people have lost their Holiday's and trying to get their money back -- The Excuses that are given? Well??

I always watch it Phoenix,its amazing what you learn on there.

mac, It is really hard to believe, but it does show that some people still trust, Companies??  Far Too Much!!
 and The people never get their hard earned money back ???
 A lucky few maybe ??

Tha golden rule is, dont part with your money till you have the goods, in case of tradesmen.
I suppose im fortunate here,I have known, plumber, builder, electrician for years and their fathers before em.

William, Good for You!! At least you know who to trust!!

I always thought "trradesmen" in the Uk are very honest and can be trusted lol

Hi Teri, Tradesmen, is only a word now!! There are so many 'Cowboys' that do sub-standard work, or even take money in 'advance' and do not comeback, to do The Job?? People have to be very careful of whom they have  ::) ::)There must be some very good Tradesmen out there, It is finding them, or at least getting referals from friends that have had work done!!

where ever money is involved you will find dishonest people.

" Do yer take Plastic" ?????  Dishonest persons?? seems to be more each year!! --- perhaps it will not be too long, before we will have to get some help  ::) ::)

in which way?

I think a lot of our "real" tradesmen have emmigrated !

The very Real Tradesmen, are now in their Senior Years!!
They!! were the Real 'Craftsmen'!! -- Any younger tradesmen, have no doubt, gone to live abroad away from any corruption!!

Do you have corruption in the UK?
I always thought Brits are fair and honest.

I think Phoenix means "corrupt cost of living"
and corrupt way of using the tax payers money.
in the main I think the brits are honest, well, the ordinary folk are.
I think they go abroad to live for a cheaper and better way of life,as they have always done.

by znd large brits are honest, but like all other countries we have our bad eggs. What gives brita a bad name abroad is the imbesilic football hooligans. although i most admit standards have dropped over these last years. I think with all the doom and gloom predicted over global warning,atom bombs, most people are livi ng for today.

Football hooligans are in the meantime everywhere. Germans who always were so disciplined have them since the fall of the wall in Eastern Germany.

Hi Teri, I 'go' for that one!! -- Even read in a Book, that The 'Fall' of The wall in 1989, has lead to many more 'Troubles' -- even to allow the hordes through, as the book said. It was a Factual Book Too!!

As I already told you some time ago, there's a great difference in mentality between people living in the Western and Eastern part of Germany.
However, perhaps if you live under a dictatorship for more than 40 years, you interprete liverty and democracy in a different way.

Teri they were a bit brain washed too !!!poor souls

Teri, Considering The differential of living standards, between East and West Germany, for so many years, It is quite understandable that people's mentality, would, to say the least -- considerable!!

I also think it will take another generation until Eastern and Western Germans get fully accustomed to each other. To be honest Germany as one country hadn't existed such a long time, when it was separated again.

Teri, I agree!! With the 'easiest' will in the world, it could take many years, before Equality, becomes The norm?? and for Germany, to be re-united!!

By the way, what about the Brits and the Scots - will they ever become "one people" - I didn't have the impression this will soon take place when I was in Scotland.

Teri, Very Akward problem??  This country was at one time, United!! Now it seems that Scotland want to be independant, yet supported from England ?? -- Our MPs. are mainly Scots that can Vote on Scottish and English laws??
But OUR English MPs cannot Vote on Scottish Laws ??
 Does one call that FAIR?? = Medical services are 'cheaper' or free is Scotland -- our's are more Expencive?? -- even we cannot understand that Issue ??

that's really a very interesting situation. The guide didn't inform us of these details.

and.............if you get sick and need to go into a home,the government(scottish) dont make you sell your house to pay for it like they do here.!

Teri, You may well think that WE 'paint' a black Picture of our country?? -- But there really Is, So much unfairnes here that we do become quite 'angry' about it all!!
 Nothing like this will be in any Guide books, to disillusion The visitor's!!

Phoenix, everywhere in Europe old people get poorer and poorer - in the Euro-countries this is also due to the Euro. I only get a small pension, but if we had still the Deutschmark this money would be sufficient for a decent life, with the Euro and the increase of costs everywhere it's an amount which requires an extra amount, i.e. I have to give private lessons. In Germany there's a discussion at the moment about an increase of pensions of 1,1% (some politicians are against it), but at the same time the increase in costs of living amounts to more than 3 %. You see, senior citizens in Germany aren't happy neither.

Teri, Thank You!!   Your Polititions, are possibly Related to our's ??  i.e.  Self first!!   Self last!! and SELF --- in Between????  --  Did not some country, Reject The Euro ?? -- Like I said, We hear so very little!!

All the recent EU countries that changed to Euros are felling the pinch,Malta is said to be doing very badly with it.I dread it happening here.When we went decimal we got inflation very bad so the money went nowhere.
It hasnt done you any good then has it Teri,shame after all that work too.

Not to mention -- Millions of people's money 'wasted' that could well have Helped their countries, Benifitting their own people

In theory the EU is good,but somehow yet again mismanaged,and I think they let too many poorer countries in at once,instead of digesting them before letting more in.We are soon going to accept Turkey,adn that is a very very poor country,all of them are muslims,I find this a bit worrying somehow.
I must look into this to see how many Eu countries are "christian" if its all then why do they want to join us.I would not want to join with them,but then I didnt want the EU either and still dont.

Hi Mac, primarily!! we was told the E>E>C> would be Good for all of Europe ---- in 1972!!  But sadly, it has not worked out that way??  -- If those countries that 'wished' to Join, had something to Offer??  they would have been more readily accepted??  So what can other 'religious' countries, that are Not Christian, have to 'offer' the EC??
As different as 'Chalk and Cheese' ??? --- Except!!  To Take Over  ::) ::) ::) --- Very Worrying!! There is still a World Market out there, for Exchange??

Poor countries profit a lot from the EC that's true, but on the other side Europe profits also, because if they don't join the EC there are a lot of people looking for a better life in EC-countries and working at dumping wages, moreover there's always the danger of a civil war in these instable countries. However, I must admit it's all going much too fast. As to the Turkey, our chancellor is trying to slow down this process, as a part of the Turks belong to another culture and they don't respect the human rights. In Germany we have much experience with Turks - part of them, i.e. those from Armenia, are Christians and they are pursued in Turkey.

All this, is now happening!! Apparently It Has Happened in Sweden!! I shall send The Email Today!! -- Several of those eastern countries have gone through ethnic cleansing?? -- Not sure if it Turks against the Armenians, or in reverse ?? has not happened here yet, but one never knows ::) ::) ::)

I only went to Turkey once and that was enough
the hotel we were in overlooked an army camp,where they train the recruits.
I saw first hand how they treat their own with the rifle butt and violence. These reacruits dont have the choice they have to do their national service and if you are of a lower caste than the sargeant, well god help you,we saw first hand a guy left out in  the seering heat for 2 days,and the lower caste were bowing to you and kissing your hand,I did not like it one bit its not right,and  I for one want no part of it.But I fear it is us that will have the problem to sort in the end.

Mac, that's true they have a different mentality. I have been to Turkey twice and will go a third time by the end of this week. One time I was there with my family - that's o.k. we had a wonderful hotel etc. - the second time I was with my daughter - not good two single women - it was in November and the hotel was no longer as good as before. This time I go on a sightseeing tour to Kapadokia - I always was interested in this region and I go with a German travel group, so no danger at all.

Bring us some sunshine back then Teri !!
but leave the men there lol

Naturally Mac - we already have enough Turks in Germany lol

No more 'Going Abroad' on Holiday's for Me!! --- There are enough 'Sites' to see here -- After all it Is a Er!!  multicutural country ::) and am well used to this weather??  Just 'loves' the variety!!

True, Britain is a multicultural country, but don't you think it would be good for Brits to go abroad, just to be happy to return to Britain again lol

Teri I would like to go abroad never to have to return to this country lol

Oh Mac, you certainly would get homesick - you know the poem "oh, to be in England now, that's April there ......."? Imagine every day blue sky and sunshine and people around you whose language you don't understand well.

I know Teri
I would have to take my family with me !!
I get homesick on holidays lol

"Though April Showers, may come your way, they bring The Flower's that Bloom in May"  ;D ;D ;D
Sunshine, Rain and Hail??  What variation we are receiving and ALL in The very same Day ::) ::) ::)

Last year was glorious at this time !
so no global warming here then ???????????  or is that another con ?

Fraid it is Mac, some body is making a lot of money out of it, and it aint me

Well it sure aint me William,I am trying to cut back on the gas bills but alas no luck !!!!

Try not lighting it Mac lol

Ha ha William and all my little odds and end would freeze lol

... what about wrapping you in a thick warm blanket, Mac?

Ohhh Teri I already do that even when the heat is on lol
a nice sheepskin one lol

Global Warming!!Global Warming!! Global Warming!!
Is it a Really Big Con: ;D ;D ;D Some say Yes!! Some say No!! -- Now it has been Stated that as much 'Fumes' comes from Car Exhausts as with The SMOG in the early 1950s.???
Well, I was in that SMOG, living in London and Yes!! It was very bad and 4,0000 people Died!! -- In the Mid '80s I was living at 'swiss cottage' and the air was certainly polluted!! --- Looking at our Roads, Now??  What has been Done, to Reduce The pollution?? -- Could Nobody perceive the amount of vehicles, coming onto our roads each and every year??  Not forgetting The 'heavies' from other countries ?? --- Hope Yer all Doin' Yer Bit at Home Ter Help ::) ::) ::)

As to the pollution of air by cars, there could be much done from the technical point of view, but the automobile industry hesitates - why? I don't know.
However, without a car you are lost in our region, above all if you are living in a rural area. The public means of transportation are expensive and often there's only a bus in the morning and in the evening.

Public transport isnt good enough in the modern world is it !

No, Mac, but sometimes our buses have only one passenger or even none. So, how could the owner of the bus make a profit?

Public Transport ??  Must be very hard for the companies to 'run' a service, that will Pay for itself. Towns and villages are now so 'spreadout' and Buses cannot cover ALL area's--- some must be heavily subsidised ??

Teri, The 'Automobile Industry' is up against The Oil Barons -- There are 'some' Electric cars but are very expencive??  Now experimenting with 'Bio -Fuel' cars, which is said will be about 20 years??? Time???

Our buses are empty too Teri I think the profit is made from the subsides for the students, school kids and pensioners,when they are more frequent and reliable they will be used more.

School buses are overcrowded, that's true - but in Germany they are supported by the local autorities. Parents only pay a very small amount.

As Eve's Brother is a coach Driver and does The School Trips, I am not sure of just how many have to Pay any fares?? -- But he does get a lot of 'unruly kids' and the teachers on board, take little notice. Sometimes, He has to Stop The Coach and Tell The kids To behave????????

That's typical kids - Phoenix they just had to sit calm for such a long time (at least in Germany).

Teri, That was not 'typical' here before political correctness, was brought in !!  There is so little control now as the children even, are fully aware that not much can be done to make them 'Behave' -- Very few parents will 'back' The Teachers!!

Phoenix, we have the same problem in Germany and I spoke both to parents and teachers about this problem, but parents are of the opinion that it's the task of the teachers, whereas teachers say they cannot be blamed for "lacks" in behaviour caused by the education of parents. You see, it will be difficult to find a solution to this problem.

solution is good manners and discipline

True, but parents don't have these virtues any longer, so how can they pass them on to their children?

Good question Teri I dont have the answer I wish I did
maybe they work too long hours,and spoil the kids because they dont put the time in with them.
maybe they think its old fashioned.
I just dont know !

Is it really possible, to re-educate people to get them back, on the 'straight and narrow' as it used to be ??
We Too, used to work long hour's but our children, did not suffer because of it -- There should be no excuses offered, but just get on with The job!!
Wonder why Parents and Teachers, cannot work together and agree??

One reason they cant work together Pheonix, the NUT dont want to, i am afraid they are now left wing dominated, and we know what that means.
I am convinced this country will never get back to normal until we bring back corporal and capital punishment.

William, Just what is 'wrong' with people??  Is there really No Respect left at all, for othere's ??
 Lovelly Country!! Shame about it's people?? -- I Totally Agree With You!!  No Way, will this lovelly Country Ever get back To A State of 'Normality'---- How I wish that was Wrong?? ---- Animal Cruelty, Is on The Increase!!
If You want to go into Norwich Airport??   You can just Drive Through and Not see Any Security Staff?? ;D ;D ;D
Should one Laugh??  or Cry????

You are joking, Phoenix - no security staff! On German airports you just ask yourself whether you are already a criminal to be checked like that!

A rough guess of today's 'attitude'??
Everybody is a 'Potential Criminal' ;D ;D ;D
1/ man gets 'fined' for letting his wheelie bin be too full that the Lid won't Shut ???
2/ Lady gets 'fined' because Her child, accidentaly dropped a piece of food ??
3/Woman driver 'fined' because a passenger, threw something out the car window?? ---- CRIMINALS ALL !!

Oops - I didn't know that in the UK the laws are so severe.

"Who watches The Watcher, that is being Watched" ????????
Spies are everywhere and just waiting to report ::) ::)
 
Are you watching your neighbour, or are they watching you????????

Why should I watch my neighbours? They are grown up and responsible for themselves. In Southern France people say:
Il ne faut pas s'occuper des affaires des autres (you mustn't take care of other people's issues) and this was the first sentence I learnt when I was au-pair there.